James Hunter

On last year’s “Minute by Minute,” British blue-eyed soul man James Hunter crafted originals with echoes of his many heroes, including Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, James Brown and his beloved Five Royales. With production by Gabriel Roth of the Dap-Kings, the horn-accented songs are retro but fresh. At times, Hunter’s voice sounds weary and weathered but it’s impossible to deny his passion. Plus, in concert, the high-energy Hunter is a witty charmer between songs. Jon Bream